When we had climbed back up the hill and regained our clearing many of the foot-soldiers had already left, while others were strapping on their packs and unpiling arms. We were informed that only one battalion was to stay there and support us. I wondered what awful attack the next day might hold in store.
A Captain of infantry accosted Astruc, who was astride Lieutenant Hély d'Oissel's big horse.
"Hallo there, gunner!"
"Sir?"
"Well I'm shot if it isn't Tortue!"
"Tortue, sir? Who's Tortue?"
"Why, the horse I lost. That's him! There can't be any mistake. Dismount now, quick, and hand him over!"
Astruc protested:
"But, sir, this horse belongs to our Lieutenant! I must take him back to him. What would he say to me!"
"Well, I tell you to dismount. I suppose I know my own saddle, don't I? And Tortue ... why, she knows me.... There! You see there's no doubt about it. It's Tortue all right, my mare which I lost at Ethe."